Poetry Challenge lovers, I’m beyond excited to be part of something truly special, the launch of the 2025 Togetherness Poetry Challenge. This poetry challenge and open mic in London is set to be a powerful night of spoken word, music, and connection.
Date: Thursday, 27th March 2025
Location: Fitzroy House, Abbot Street, London E8 3DP
As the founder of Hidden Literature, I’ll be co-hosting this event alongside Arthur Smith, comedian, writer, broadcaster, and one of this year’s challenge judges. If you love poetry, community, and raw creative energy, you don’t want to miss this.
Poetry Challenge Explained…
This national poetry challenge is all about unity, shared identity, and decolonising minds. Organised as part of Civil Society Consulting’s 32 Steps to Togetherness, it gives poets across the UK a platform to share their voices.
Theme for 2025: Decolonising Minds & Shared Identities
Prizes: £1,000 in total, with £500 for the grand prize and five £100 commendation prizes
Submission Dates: 27th March – 26th September 2025
Whether you’re a spoken word artist, poet, or just starting out, this is your chance to explore the power of poetry and be part of a growing movement for change.
@ovyukipoetry Poets, win up to £500! 🔥 💷#poetry #poetrystatus #poetrylover #poetrytok #spokenword ♬ original sound - Ovyuki
A Look Back at 2024’s Poetry Challenge
Last year’s Togetherness Poetry Challenge was unforgettable. I had the honour of leading a poetry workshop and co-hosting the celebration event in November 2024. The energy in the room was electric—poets from all backgrounds came together, sharing verses that spoke of unity, struggle, and resilience.
For 2025, we’re taking things up a notch, more workshops, more poets, and bigger opportunities to connect through poetry.
What to Expect at ‘Poets Together Awright!’
This isn’t just an open mic, it’s a celebration of voices, cultures, and experiences.
Open Mic London: Step up and share your poetry in a welcoming, supportive space.
Spoken Word Artists: From Cockney rhyming slang to contemporary spoken word, the lineup will be fire.
Comedy Meets Poetry: Arthur Smith brings his wit, charm, and love for verse to the stage.
Community & Connection: A night of inspiration, creativity, and togetherness.
What Does “Decolonising Minds & Shared Identities” Mean?
We talk a lot about decolonisation, but what does it really mean in our daily lives?
For me, it’s about questioning the narratives we’ve inherited, the stories, histories, and language shaped by colonialism. It’s about reclaiming space, redefining identity, and making room for voices that have been erased or ignored.
What does shared identity mean?
Acknowledging our interconnectedness – that we are more alike than different.
Reclaiming our voices – whether through poetry, music, or storytelling.
Challenging stereotypes – because creativity is a force for change.
Poetry is one of the most powerful tools for decolonising the mind. Whether it’s spoken word at an open mic in London or a national poetry challenge, every poem we write reshapes identity, honours history, and creates new possibilities.
Books, Poems, Songs & Albums That Challenge Colonial Narratives & Identity
If you’re diving deeper into decolonisation, identity, and resistance, these works here are some highly recommended references:
Books
- Decolonising the Mind by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (On language, power, and liberation.)
- Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch (A deep dive into race, identity, and belonging in Britain.)
- The Good Immigrant Edited by Nikesh Shukla (A collection of essays on being ‘othered’ in the UK.)
- Natives by Akala (A powerful take on race, class, and Britain’s colonial past.)
Poems & Spoken Word Pieces
- The British by Benjamin Zephaniah (A clever and powerful critique of British colonialism and immigration.)
- Checking Out Me History by John Agard (Tackles Eurocentric education and reclaiming Black history.)
Songs & Albums That Speak to Decolonisation & Identity
Loyle Carner – Georgetown ft. John Agard (Prod. Madlib) (Loyle Carner’s “Georgetown” featuring John Agard is a powerful fusion of hip-hop and spoken word, exploring mixed-race identity, colonial history, and decolonising the mind, a must-listen for the Togetherness Poetry Challenge theme.)
What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye (A timeless protest album on war, racial injustice, and inequality.) – Listen on Spotify
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – Gil Scott-Heron (Spoken-word classic critiquing media and systemic oppression.) – Listen on Spotify
Changes – 2Pac (Systemic racism, police brutality, and social struggle.) – Listen on Spotify
About the Organisers
Hidden Literature
I founded Hidden Literature because I believe poetry has the power to inspire, connect, and transform individuals and communities. Through workshops, live events, brand partnerships, and digital platforms, I’ve built a space where every voice matters, every story deserves to be heard, and creativity can thrive. From workshops, spoken word nights, introducing and inspiring culture in corporate environments, to the Togetherness Poetry Challenge, I love curating spaces where people can express themselves and find connection through poetry.
Modern Cockney Festival
The Modern Cockney Festival celebrates non-posh Londoners while embracing evolving culture beyond the borders of London. It’s been amazing to be part of a movement that keeps this cultural identity alive while making space for new voices.
Civil Society Consulting
The 32 Steps to Togetherness initiative, led by Civil Society Consulting, is all about breaking down social divides and bringing people together through art, storytelling, and community-led projects. They’re the driving force behind this poetry challenge, and I’m proud to collaborate with them to create spaces for creativity and connection.
Poetry for a Cause
In a world that often feels divided, I see poetry as a bridge, a way to remind us of our shared existence, resilience, and creativity. The 2025 Togetherness Poetry Challenge isn’t just about prizes, it’s about using poetry to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and spark real conversations.
If you’re as passionate about spoken word as I am, join me at Poets Together Awright! on March 27th, and don’t forget to submit your piece for the 2025 Togetherness Poetry Challenge!
